Abstract

Development of the vasculature is a complex, dynamic process orchestrated by a balance
of pro and anti-angiogenic signaling pathways. The same signaling pathways are mis-regulated
and exploited during pathological angiogenesis in cancer, inflammation and cardiovascular
diseases and contribute to disease progression. In the last decade, small non-coding
RNA molecules termed microRNAs (miRs) have emerged as key regulators of several cellular
processes including angiogenesis. It is becoming clear that miRs function in complex
networks and regulate gene expression both at the mRNA and protein levels thereby
altering cellular signaling responses to specific stimuli. In the vasculature, miRs
can function either in a pro-angiogenic manner and potentiate angiogenesis or act
as anti-angiogenic miRs by enhancing cell death and decreasing endothelial proliferation.
This review aims to provide an update on how microRNAs regulate gene expression and
illustrate miR function in the vasculature with a discussion of potential applications
of miRs as anti-angiogenic therapeutics.